Sudan expels South Sudan rebel force from territories

Sudanese army on Saturday announced that it expelled a rebel force belonging to Riek Machar, the rebel leader in South Sudan, after crossing into Sudan's territories and refusing to be disarmed. "On January 9 a force of Nuer tribe, about an infantry battalion, crossed into the Sudanese territories near Higlieg area. They were on the run after the advancement of South Sudan army towards Bantio, capital of the oil-rich Unity State," said Sudanese army spokesman Al-Sawarmy Khalid Saad in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Xinhua. Saad said that there is no presence for any South Sudanese troops inside the Sudanese territories, saying "we reiterate that our territories are now free of any foreign troops and the international law is our means in dealing with any similar cases." Sudanese border areas have been witnessing flow of South Sudanese refugees who are fleeing the clashes in their country between South Sudan army and defectors loyal to former vice- president Riek Machar. Sudan said it would treat the fleeing South Sudanese as Sudanese citizens and that it would not establish camps at the borders but would allow the southerners to stay anywhere in Sudan. South Sudan army on Friday managed to regain control over Bantio, the capital city of the oil-producing Unity State and it is currently leading violent battles to restore Bor town, the capital of Jonglie State, the last area held by Machar forces.